Possible Title: Review of the Literature: Critical Issues in Enhancing Communication Abilities for
Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Barry M. Prizant and Amy M. Wetherby (Chapter 36)

Group Project by: Tina Perruna, Kathy Kennedy, Christine Dalton, Freda, Kellyann Londino

(Need correct spelling of names - Sorry)

Possible Intro Paragraph:

From the time of Leo Kanner's early description of autism in 1943, research has focused on the impaired nature of the social and communication skills of children diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorders. According to the criteria set forth in DSM-IV, qualitative impairments in social interactions and in communication are two of the identifying categories of characteristics used when making a definitive diagnosis. Even as our understanding of autism has evolved in the decades since Kanner's work, the importance of enhancing the social and communication skills of children with this disorder has remained at the forefront. In their analysis of the critical issues facing people with autism spectrum disorders, Prizant and Weatherby (2005) examine the rationale behind the emphasis on social and functional communication in the development of new educational and intervention approaches and review current approaches with a focus on a comparison of these strategies to the SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support Model) developed by the authors.

??these disorders (because it encompasses all five - autism, Asperger's, etc.)

Possible Outline for Paper:

I. Introduction
II. The Importance of Prioritizing Social and Communication Abilities
III. A Review of Communication Enhancement Approaches
IV. An Overview of the SCERTS Model
V. Conclusion

(Sections II and III would be the summary of the article with additional resources used to complete section IV.)

Feedback????

Looks good. I like the outline. What if we avoid "this disorder" and just restate with "ASD"
Also-I began writing on the second section of the outline. I will post shortly.

I agree with the change to ASDs in the underlined part of the paragraph. I am also wondering if the last sentence should be changed slightly at the end to read "review current approaches with a focus on the SCERTS model developed by the authors." Would it be better without the "a comparison of these strategies to" part? I researched some additional resources that might be helpful. I will review them and bring the articles to class on Tuesday.